The Excitement Is Real: College Football Week 1 Serves Up Sizzle and Surprise

Grab your favorite snack, settle into your comfiest seat, and dive into the thrill of 2025 college football Week 1—a wild kickoff weekend packed with upsets, showdowns, and unforgettable moments. From the defensive standouts at Ohio State to abrasive media personalities lighting up the airwaves, this opening slate delivered everything fans could hope for and then some. And trust me, this is just the appetizer—there’s a full, detailed live blog over on Fox Sports that’s a must-read: Read the full story here.

1. Texas vs. Ohio State: A Blockbuster That Delivered

Let’s start with the headline game that truly lived up to the hype: No. 1 Texas Longhorns vs. No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes. It was powerful, gritty, and dramatic—as most great openers are. The Buckeyes emerged victorious with a 14–7 win over the top-ranked Longhorns, setting the tone for what’s sure to be a compelling season ahead FOX Sports.

Key storylines:

• Arch Manning, stepping in as Texas’s starting QB, faced a relentless OSU defense that refused to yield enough room for big plays Burnt Orange NationDecider.
• The game kicked off at 12:00 p.m. ET at Ohio Stadium and was broadcast on FOX, with streaming available through major platforms like fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and more Decider.
• Notably, Lee Corso—on his final College GameDay appearance—made the iconic headgear pick in favor of Ohio State, capping off an incredible legacy moment and drawing a passionate tribute from the Ohio State band The Washington Post.

This game wasn’t just about scores—it was about pride, legacy, and the shifting landscape of college football.

2. Media Moments: When Lee Corso Meets Dave Portnoy

Week 1 wasn’t just unforgettable on the field—it also delivered off-field theatrics. On one side, you had Lee Corso, the beloved veteran of College GameDay, ending his storied run with grace and tradition. On the other, Dave Portnoy—Barstool Sports founder and Michigan superfan—made his debut on Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff by antagonizing Ohio State fans with unsolicited Michigan chants (cue the boos), igniting a half-spike, half-laugh riot in the stands The Washington PostThe Times of India.

What a juxtaposition: Corso’s heartfelt farewell reminded us of college football’s wholesome roots; Portnoy’s irreverence leaned into the theater of contemporary sports media. That dynamic says a lot about how the game—and its coverage—continues to evolve.

3. Early Week Fireworks & Other Big Upsets

The Saturday spotlight may have focused on Texas vs. OSU, but Week 1 was chock-full of other arcs unfolding:

• Alabama shockingly fell to unranked Florida State, losing 31–17—a result that stunned fans and analysts alike. It marked Alabama’s first opener loss since 2001 and unleashed waves of commentary, including harsh critiques from Dave Portnoy calling the SEC a “joke” New York Post.
• Meanwhile, Indiana edged out Old Dominion, and Penn State stumbled to cover a late Nevada touchdown, adding to the mounting unpredictability sweeping Week 1 FOX SportsOff Tackle Empire.

4. Betting Lines & Expert Picks — Spice on the Odds Board

With games this compelling, it’s no wonder bettors were all-in from the jump:

• Texas opened as an underdog (~-1) vs. Ohio State, though gambling experts noted that “one-way Texas action” began flowing later in the week CBSSports.comFOX Sports.
• Alabama came in as a heavy favorite (-13.5) against FSU, but that prediction cracked under the pressure of an unexpected loss FOX SportsCBSSports.com.
• Across the board, Week 1 was a goldmine for analytics-driven picks, props, and parlay talk—especially in matchups like Clemson vs. LSU, ND vs. Miami, and Baylor vs. Auburn CBSSports.com+2CBSSports.com+2.

5. Across the Nation—A Snapshot of Matchups

Here’s a quick look at other major Week 1 action highlights:

6. Why This Week Matters: More Than Just Scores

You can chalk Week 1 up to college football tradition—a weekly ritual of surprises. But this season’s opener felt different:

• Dynasties Slide: Alabama’s blowup vs. FSU signals potential cracks in SEC dominance.
• Modern Media Clash: The contrast of Corso’s farewell and Portnoy’s taunting highlights how the culture of coverage is splintering—and getting louder.
• Parity Rising: Upsets and tight games underline how balance and unpredictability are reshaping college gridiron expectations.
• Fan Engagement Evolving: From betting discourse to media commentary, the “watch party” experience has expanded into a multi-platform, opinion-rich ecosystem.

Call to Action

I’ve given you a comprehensive taste of how electrifying Week 1 was—from the field to the broadcast booth, from the lines on the betting slip to the viral moments. But there’s so much more waiting. For play-by-play breakdowns, under-the-surface narratives, and all the juicy updates, make sure to read the full story here. It’s your complete source for every twist, stat, and quote you won’t want to miss.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you’re all about the Xs and Os on the field, the evolving narrative styles in the broadcast booth, or riding the betting wave to score, this opening weekend of college football delivered on every front.

So, did your team deliver—or disappoint? Was Portnoy your guy… or an absolute menace? Whatever your angle, the full Fox Sports live blog has got everything you need to revisit each thrilling moment. Go check it out, and let me know your favorite takeaways—this season is shaping up to be a wild ride.